[Thursday, February 19] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2026-02-19 2564 words 13 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 19, 2026

Executive Summary

US-Iran Tensions Escalate: President Trump is reportedly ready to authorize a strike on Iran by Saturday. The situation is complicated by the UK’s refusal to allow use of its airbases, prompting alleged US retaliation.
Prince Andrew Arrested: Britain’s former Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of “misconduct in public office.” The charges are not for trafficking or sexual offenses, though Epstein links are cited.
Major Domestic Actions: FBI Director Patel warns that Antifa’s financial backers have been identified. President Trump ordered FEMA to suspend operations amid a reported DHS shutdown.
Immigration Policy Heats Up: Rep. Ilhan Omar and others call for dismantling DHS, as the administration moves to block taxpayer-funded housing for illegal aliens.

1. National Security and Foreign Affairs

1.1 Tensions with Iran

Intelligence indicates that a confrontation with Iran may be imminent. President Trump is expected to be ready to authorize a strike by Saturday [1], having already met with advisors to discuss the growing threat [2]. One source close to the administration suggests the President’s patience is wearing thin, stating, “‘Boss Is Getting Fed Up’” [3]. In preparation for a potential conflict, the U.S. has prepositioned significant military assets near Iran, with firepower reportedly sufficient for “weeks of war” [4]. However, a significant diplomatic obstacle has emerged: the United Kingdom has reportedly denied the U.S. use of Royal Air Force bases for any strikes on Iran, a move that is allegedly prompting retaliation from the Trump administration [5].

References:
[1] Trump will be ready to strike Iran by Saturday, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/19/trump-will-be-ready-to-strike-iran-by-saturday/
[2] Report: Trump Meets Advisers on Iran as War Threat Grows, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-iran-marco-rubio/2026/02/18/id/1246623/
[3] ‘Boss Is Getting Fed Up’: War With Iran Could Be Closer Than Americans Realize, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/18/boss-is-getting-fed-up-war-with-iran-could-be-closer-than-americans-realize/
[4] Built for weeks of war: Inside the firepower the US has positioned near Iran, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/built-weeks-war-inside-firepower-us-has-positioned-near-iran
[5] UK blocks Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran — and he is already retaliating, https://nypost.com/2026/02/19/world-news/uk-blocks-trump-from-using-raf-bases-for-strikes-on-iran-and-he-is-already-retaliating/

1.2 International Relations and Diplomacy

Several key geopolitical developments require attention. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on his relationship with the White House, stating that he trusts President Trump but finds his handling of Vladimir Putin to be “‘painful’” [1]. In Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron has been characterized as holding a “very negative view of free speech,” while Hungary has become a “flashpoint” in a dispute between the European Union and Elon Musk [2]. A report also identifies a Canadian Member of Parliament, Michael Ma, as a former director of a group named as a “United Front Organization” in a Jamestown Foundation study [3]. In the Western Hemisphere, there are indications Secretary of State Marco Rubio may be developing a new strategy for achieving a “Free Cuba” [4].

References:
[1] Zelensky says he trusts Trump — but way president handles Putin is ‘painful’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/zelensky-says-he-trusts-trump-but-way-president-handles-putin-is-painful/
[2] French President Macron Has a Very Negative View of Free Speech, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/02/19/macron-free-speech-n2671543
[3] EXCLUSIVE: Floor-Crossing MP Michael Ma Was Director of Group Explicitly Named as United Front Organization in Landmark Jamestown Foundation Study, https://www.thebureau.news/p/exclusive-floor-crossing-mp-michael
[4] Has Rubio Found the Secret to a Free Cuba?, https://pjmedia.com/sarah-anderson/2026/02/18/has-rubio-found-the-secret-to-a-free-cuba-n4949668

1.3 National Security and Defense Policy

A single report indicates the Canadian Liberal government is considering plans to reinforce its “currently pathetic military,” though specific details of the proposal remain unavailable [1].

References:
[1] Woe, Canada: Liberals Brainstorm Spiffy Plan to Beef Up Currently Pathetic Military, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/02/19/woe-canada-liberals-brainstorm-spiffy-plan-to-beef-up-currently-pathetic-military-n3812068

2. The Trump Administration

2.1 Presidential Actions and Directives

The administration has initiated major domestic actions. The Department of Justice announced that a “no-nonsense” crackdown on crime in Washington D.C. has resulted in over 10,000 arrests, declaring that the city’s “era of ‘unchecked violence is over’” [1]. In a separate directive, President Trump ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to halt its operations; one headline links this order directly to a “Dems’ DHS Shutdown” [2].

References:
[1] Trump’s ‘no-nonsense’ DC crackdown tops 10k arrests as DOJ declares era of ‘unchecked violence is over’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-no-nonsense-dc-crackdown-tops-10k-arrests-doj-declares-era-unchecked-violence-over
[2] NEW: Trump Orders FEMA to Suspend Operations in Dems’ DHS Shutdown, https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2026/02/19/new-trump-orders-fema-to-suspend-operations-in-dems-dhs-shutdown-n3812064

2.2 Administration Officials, Cabinet and Allies

Key members of the administration are pursuing both legal and public-facing initiatives. Legally, the Trump administration has sued a Coca-Cola distributor for alleged sex discrimination over an event that specifically excluded men [1]. An ally of the Trump Department of Justice has also publicly expressed concern that a singular focus on the Epstein case is diverting resources and delaying “‘accountability on lawfare’” elsewhere [2]. On the public health front, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has launched a fitness initiative called the “‘Rock Out Workout’” in partnership with musician Kid Rock [3].

References:
[1] Trump administration sues Coca-Cola distributor for alleged sex discrimination over event that excluded men, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-admin-sues-coca-cola-distributor-alleged-sex-discrimination-over-event-excluded-men
[2] Trump DOJ ally says focus on Epstein delaying ‘accountability on lawfare’, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4462407/trump-doj-epstein-review-delays-lawfare-accountability/
[3] HHS Sec Kennedy, Kid Rock Team Up for ‘Rock Out Workout’ Encouraging Americans to ‘GET ACTIVE + EAT REAL FOOD’, https://www.breitbart.com/health/2026/02/18/hhs-sec-kennedy-kid-rock-team-up-for-rock-out-workout-encouraging-americans-to-get-active-eat-real-food/

2.3 Presidential Affairs and Public Image

A crypto-related business associated with President Trump held a summit at Mar-a-Lago, reportedly attended by “Wall Street titans and Nicki Minaj,” where new deals were unveiled [1]. In a public statement, the President accused former President Obama of declassifying sensitive information by publicly confirming that “aliens were real” [2].

References:
[1] Trump crypto business unveils deals at Mar-a-Lago summit with Wall Street titans and Nicki Minaj, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/trump-family-unveils-crypto-deals-and-power-plays-at-mar-a-lago-summit-they-created-a-monster/
[2] Trump: Obama revealed classified information when he said about aliens were real, https://x.com/pdoocy/status/2024579052485435655?s=20

3. Law, Crime and Justice

3.1 Prince Andrew Investigation and Arrest

Reports confirm the arrest of Britain’s Former Prince Andrew [1]. The arrest is on suspicion of “misconduct in public office” and occurred on his 66th birthday [2]. While reports state his connections to Jeffrey Epstein are cited in the matter, the specific charge is not related to child trafficking or sexual offenses [2]. In an official response from Buckingham Palace, King Charles III stated, “‘The law must take its course’” [3].

References:
[1] Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, reports say, https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrested-suspicion-misconduct-public-office
[2] Breaking: Prince Andrew Arrested on His 66th Birthday—Epstein Links Cited, but Child Trafficking or S*xual Offenses NOT the Charge (Video), https://www.rightjournalism.com/breaking-prince-andrew-arrested-on-his-66th-birthday-epstein-links-but-child-trafficking-not-the-charge-video/
[3] King Charles III After Andrew Arrest: ‘The Law Must Take Its Course’, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/02/19/king-charles-iii-after-andrew-arrest-the-law-must-take-its-course/

3.2 Domestic Law Enforcement and Public Safety

FBI Director Kash Patel announced a significant development in a domestic terrorism investigation, stating that the bureau knows who is “bankrolling Antifa.” Director Patel issued a direct warning: “We’re coming for them” [1]. Separately, U.S. Capitol Police arrested an armed 18-year-old individual wearing body armor on the steps of the Capitol building [2].

References:
[1] FBI Director Patel: We Know Who’s Bankrolling Antifa, and We’re Coming for Them, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/02/18/fbi-director-patel-we-know-whos-bankrolling-antifa-and-were-coming-for-them-n2199322
[2] Armed 18-year-old in body armor arrested at US Capitol steps, https://www.foxnews.com/us/armed-georgia-man-arrested-us-capitol-told-police-he-wanted-talk-congress-docs

3.3 Judicial System and Legal Controversies

This area is marked by a significant new allegation and media speculation about the Supreme Court. A report alleges that Jeffrey Epstein conspired to silence a potential informant with a $3 million bribe and discussed this plan with Kathyrine Ruemmler, who is identified in the headline as an Obama White House Counsel [1]. Separately, a headline notes there are “new clues” that may signal a potential departure of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito before the midterm elections, though the source does not specify what these clues are [2].

References:
[1] One of Epstein’s Recruiters Decided to Inform On Him to the Police, and Epstein Schemed to Give Him a $3 Million Bribe to Keep Quiet; He Discussed the Plan with Obama WH Counsel and Friend of Jeff Kathyrine Ruemmler, https://ace.mu.nu/archives/418577.php
[2] Could New Clues Signal Justice Alito’s Pre-Midterm Departure? – RedState, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/02/17/could-new-clues-signal-justice-alitos-pre-midterm-departure-n2199270

4. Immigration and Border Security

4.1 Immigration Enforcement and Policy

The administration has issued a new rule aimed at preventing individuals in the country illegally from accessing taxpayer-funded housing [1]. Concurrently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resumed criminal deportations to Cuba for the first time in decades [2]. These enforcement actions are taking place as Rep. Ilhan Omar and other Democrats are publicly calling not only to abolish ICE but also to pursue the “dismantlement” of the entire Department of Homeland Security [3].

References:
[1] Trump Administration Issues Rule to Block Illegal Aliens from Taxpayer-Funded Housing, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/19/trump-administration-issues-rule-to-block-illegal-aliens-from-taxpayer-funded-housing/
[2] ICE Deports Criminals Back to Cuba for the First Time in Decades, https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2026/02/19/ice-deports-criminal-cubans-for-the-first-time-in-decades/
[3] Ilhan Omar Calls To Abolish ICE, Says DHS ‘Dismantlement’ Is Being Discussed, https://www.dailywire.com/news/ilhan-omar-calls-to-abolish-ice-says-dhs-dismantlement-is-being-discussed

The political discourse on immigration remains sharply divided. Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for governor in California, has publicly vowed to support a “‘path to citizenship’” for illegal aliens should he be elected [1]. In contrast, an opinion piece by commentator Victor Davis Hanson argues that the border policies of the previous administration were not accidental but constituted a deliberate “political strategy to reshape America’s electorate” [2].

References:
[1] Republican Chad Bianco Vows to Support ‘Path to Citizenship’ for Illegal Aliens if Elected California Governor, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/19/republican-chad-bianco-vows-support-path-citizenship-illegal-aliens-california-governor/
[2] Victor Davis Hanson: Why Exactly Did They Destroy the Border? – Biden’s border chaos wasn’t accidental—it was a political strategy to reshape America’s electorate and expand left-wing power., https://amgreatness.com/2026/02/19/why-exactly-did-they-destroy-the-border/

5. Economy and Business

5.1 Trade and Economic Policy

New data reveals that the U.S. imported a record amount of goods last year. This occurred despite what the report describes as “seismic trade policy changes” enacted during the same period, suggesting complex dynamics are driving trade flows [1].

References:
[1] America Imported a Record Amount Last Year Despite Seismic Trade Policy Changes, https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/u-s-trade-deficit-grew-in-december-da4afda5

5.2 Taxation and Fiscal Policy

High-profile local tax proposals are generating significant backlash. In California, a proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires is reportedly fueling an “exodus” of high-net-worth individuals from the state [1]. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal for a 9.5% property tax hike is being called “bat cuckoo crazy” by commentator Kevin O’Leary [2], with other reports warning the mayor is “inviting a property tax revolt” [3].

References:
[1] Proposed 5% California wealth tax on billionaires, sparks exodus of billionaires from the state., /r/Conservative/comments/1r94nfu/proposed_5_california_wealth_tax_on_billionaires/
[2] Kevin O’Leary mockingly celebrated Big Apple Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed 9.5% property tax hike Tuesday as “bat cuckoo crazy” that will win him “Real Estate Agent of the Year” in the near future., https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/mamdanis-tax-hike-will-land-him-real-estate-agent-of-the-year-after-inevitable-exodus-kevin-oleary/
[3] Mamdani Is Inviting a Property Tax Revolt, https://www.thefp.com/p/mamdani-is-inviting-a-property-tax

5.3 Corporate and Business Developments

Reports indicate a pattern of major corporations relocating from Democrat-led to Republican-led states. The NFL’s Chicago Bears are reportedly making plans to leave Chicago, a move framed as a reaction to local Democratic governance [1]. Following this trend, a “top defense contractor” announced a relocation weeks after a new Democratic governor was inaugurated in its home state [2], and another headline claims a major corporation has fled Virginia within a month of Governor Abigail Spanberger taking office [3].

References:
[1] Chicago Bears Poised To Become Latest Major Business To Leave A Blue State And Relocate In A Red State, https://www.outkick.com/sports/chicago-bears-poised-become-latest-major-business-leave-blue-state-relocate-red-state
[2] Top defense contractor announces major move weeks after Dem governor takes office: ‘Win for the heartland’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-defense-contractor-announces-major-move-weeks-after-dem-governor-takes-office-win-heartland
[3] Democrat DISASTER –> Major Corporation Flees VA in Just 30 Days Under Governor ‘In Name Only’ Spanberger, https://twitchy.com/samj/2026/02/19/it-only-took-spanberger-and-democrat-rule-30-days-to-chase-major-corporation-out-of-va-n2425182

6. Domestic Governance and Politics

6.1 Federal Legislation and Congressional Affairs

On Capitol Hill, a new legislative push is underway. An opinion piece is calling for the “sunset” of the filibuster as a necessary step to pass the “SAVE Act” [1]. Meanwhile, Rep. Lauren Boebert is advancing a bill to prohibit the U.S. government from using foreign software for the storage of sensitive information, arguing the nation is currently “at risk” [2].

References:
[1] Save the SAVE Act: Sunset the Filibuster, https://spectator.org/save-the-save-act-sunset-the-filibuster/
[2] Rep. Boebert pushes bill to ban gov’t from using foreign software to store sensitive info: ‘Nation at risk’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/19/us-news/lauren-boebert-pushes-bill-to-ban-government-from-using-foreign-software/

6.2 State and Local Governance

Contentious policy battles are unfolding at the state and local levels. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has proposed significant cuts to the NYPD budget, which include canceling the hiring of 5,000 new officers [1]. In Oregon, a new gun control bill was passed under controversial circumstances, reportedly after an initial vote on the measure failed [2]. In Virginia, the Republican National Committee has filed a lawsuit to block a Democratic-led redistricting effort [3], while in Kansas, the state legislature successfully overrode the governor’s veto of a “bathroom bill” [4].

References:
[1] Mamdani proposes cutting NYPD budget, canceling 5K new officer hires, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mamdani-proposes-cutting-nypd-budget-canceling-5k-new-officer-hires
[2] Vote Fails on Oregon’s New Gun Control Bill. Meeting Paused. 20 Minutes Later… It Passes. Totally Normal., https://thatoregonlife.com/2026/02/vote-fails-on-oregons-new-gun-control-bill-meeting-paused-20-minutes-later-it-passes-totally-normal/
[3] RNC sues Virginia to stop state’s Democratic redistricting push, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/elections/rnc-sues-virginia-stop-states-democratic-redistricting-push
[4] Kansas bathroom bill: Legislature overrides Gov. Kelly’s veto, https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-legislature-overrides-kelly-veto-bathroom-bill/70409630

6.3 Political Figures, Campaigns and Elections

The political landscape is active with disparate developments affecting key figures. President Trump has been actively campaigning in a key battleground state where a competitive race to succeed Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is underway [1]. Elsewhere, Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is facing a personal and political controversy, as the husband of a late aide has publicly accused the congressman of abusing his power in connection with an alleged affair [2]. On the Democratic side, reports indicate that Gavin Newsom’s potential presidential ambitions are encountering difficulty amid declining poll numbers [3].

References:
[1] Trump hits campaign trail in key battleground as race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene heats up, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-hits-campaign-trail-key-battleground-race-replace-marjorie-taylor-greene-heats-up
[2] Husband of Rep. Tony Gonzales aide who fatally set herself on fire says Texas pol ‘abused his power’ in first remarks on affair, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/husand-of-rep-tony-gonzales-aide-breaks-silence-on-her-affair-with-texas-pol/
[3] The Cost of Failure: Gavin Newsom’s White House Dreams Take a Poll Dive, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/02/19/newsoms-white-house-dreams-take-a-poll-dive-n2199336

7. Media, Technology and Culture

7.1 Technology and Online Speech

The U.S. government is reportedly planning a new “online portal” that would be designed to help users bypass content bans and restrictions being implemented in Europe and other foreign jurisdictions [1]. This development occurs amidst a broader public conversation about the power of technology, with one commentary piece asking whether society is currently at an “AI Precipice” [2].

References:
[1] US plans online portal to bypass content bans in Europe and elsewhere, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-plans-online-portal-bypass-content-bans-europe-elsewhere-2026-02-18/
[2] Are We at an AI Precipice?, https://www.thefp.com/p/are-we-at-an-ai-precipice

7.2 Media Criticism and Cultural Debates

Today’s events highlight significant challenges to media credibility and ongoing cultural flashpoints. The Atlantic is being accused of presenting a fictional, “hypothetical” story about a child’s death from measles as a factual news report [1]. Commentator Tucker Carlson is the subject of reports alleging that he fabricated a story about being detained in Israel, with one headline stating he “has no credibility left” [2]. In cultural news, a report claims Democrats have been “lambasted” for “ignoring Christian Ash Wednesday to highlight Islamic, Chinese traditions” [3].

References:
[1] The Atlantic Published a Viral “Report” Account of a Boy Dying of Measles Because His Parents Didn’t Vaccinate Him. One Small Problem: The “Report” Is Actually Fiction, a “Hypothetical” Morality Play But That Atlantic Presented It As Actual Truth., https://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=418581
[2] Tucker Carlson made the whole story up about being detained in Israel — He has no credibility left., https://x.com/lauraloomer/status/2024222672993784040?s=61n
[3] ‘Heathens’: Democrats Lambasted for Ignoring Christian Ash Wednesday to Highlight Islamic, Chinese Traditions, https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2026/02/19/heathens-democrat-party-lambasted-for-ignoring-christianitys-ash-wednesday-to-highlight-islamic-and-chinese-traditions/